In the early 1960’s the Government researched the idea of a mobile cinema that could travel around to engineering firms and give training sessions on how they could improve industrial productivity. A prototype Mobile Cinema was created and by 1964 it was touring the UK teaching then modern methods of manufacturing. The Government invested a further £1,000,000 in moving the scheme forward. In 1967, The Ministry of Technology built seven final units travelling the length of the country to British Industry.

The seven Bedfords were operated by PERA (Production Engineering Research Association). Films would be played within the cinema, with supporting displays shown in the trailer that accompanied the towing unit as they toured the nation’s factories.

In 1974 the Government sold off the mobile cinemas, and this one is the sole survivor as far as is known. KJU was purchased from the auction to accompany the re-patriated Flying Scotsman steam locomotive, but was donated shortly afterwards to the Transport Trust. They owned it for a further 15 years before selling it on to Peter Rawlings of Essex in November 1990.

It passed through a few hands in the following years and was finally restored by Ollie Halls in 2010. The Vintage Mobile Cinema has had a lot of profile over the last few years including a number of TV appearances. The most notable was the George Clarke Amazing Spaces Show. 

Fast forward to 2015, the mobile cinema is now owned by Ben Moorhouse and lives at Bicester Heritage. The perfect environment where she is stored along with many other vintage vehicles and surrounded by craftsmen and lovers of all things historic. 

We are delighted to welcome The Vintage Mobile Cinema to Blackburn and return her to her roots in the making and manufacturing industries for this one-time special weekend.